Allowing time for self-care
We all deserve time out and self-care. It is even more important in these challenging times. Time off is particularly important and yet overlooked by parents and workers, especially women. Anyone can find a bit of time for a break. It could be a few minutes or a few hours. Any relaxation is better than none.
This article was updated to include affiliate advertisements and/or links.
Fair balanced time for women
This empowered message is not new. Balanced time may be increasingly popular (as it should). That being said, we have yet to gain equal amounts of spare time (unsurprisingly). In 2018, the ABC highlighted this inequality found in a survey, "Compared to women, men have an extra 99 hours a year where they're not working, doing housework or caring for dependants, according to new survey data."The survey and findings are from the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research. Ladies, you deserve a break as much as any man. Discuss it. Demand it. Dedicate it. Find a way to allow chill out time for yourself.
Remind yourself to prioritise relaxation
As individuals, we may forget this wisdom and need to be reminded. It goes to the back of the mind. We become distracted by the demands of life. Don't worry, I am acknowledging the reality of life's responsibilities. Let's just remember the old saying - fill up your own cup so you can overflow with generosity to the world. You need to nurture yourself to then keep going.
A self-care break will be different for each individual person. It could be a creative session, mindfulness practice, deep calming meditative state, a wild fun dance in the living room, or anything that helps you to unwind.
Creative session for relaxation
Creativity may feel like self-care if it is emotionally free from perfectionism. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote in her book Big Magic, "Perfection is just fear in high heels and a mink coat, pretending to be fancy. But it's just terror. Perfectionism is the lie that says there's a rent you have to pay to be on this earth... But it's not true. You don't have to be perfect to be here - or even good. You're allowed to just be." If you allow yourself to just be creative, with this freedom from perfectionism, I would call that a form of relaxing self-care.
Here's the reality of scheduling time for enjoyable creativity - you may have to abandon the urge to complete projects or spend long amounts of time. We don't always have an hour or more to spare in the day. You could just allow ten minutes to alter a project and feel a sense of achievement. Half an hour may be enough when playing a musical instrument. Do something you enjoy and appreciate any moment of creating.
Mindfulness and meditation
Speaking of small sessions to relax and unwind, mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial in just minutes. Abide, a Biblical meditation app, has options for the durations of sessions. The Headspace app guides mindfulness meditation from as little as 5 minutes. Choose from 15, 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Transcendental meditation can take 20 minutes. Whichever your style, a relaxing clarifying meditation can fit into the day.
Active leisure break
Some people want a fast-paced way to feel better. It could be a break from the quietness of everyday routine. The endorphins could boost a mood when going wild. You may love running fast or dancing with confidence. Activity is prioritised in new ways during the quarantines of a pandemic. Many of us now stay at home more than before. We may be confined to indoor spaces or homes with back yards. Time at home could be for most of the day or around the clock. We need to include healthy sessions of activity wherever we are.
Stretch and breathe with yoga
There are versions of yoga stretches for anyone. Today's yoga poses are only distantly related to past Eastern belief systems. Secular yoga can be healthy for all people. There is some Christian yoga on Youtube. Any form of yoga may be a calming way to connect with your body, yourself and a higher purpose.
Spiritual practice
There is much to be gained from spiritual practices. It can bring connection, purpose, meaning and clarity. This was included in the list for an important reason. Dedicated spiritual attention can happen in minutes. However, many people view spirituality as being fully integrated in every aspect of life. It can be both.
Allow time for your version of down time
These are just a few ways of switching off and unwinding. Know what brings you joy in the moment. Know when you need to chill out or energise. Listen to your body. Hear your intuition. Believe in your right for a healthy break. Dedicate any amount of time in your day to revive.
Be mindful in nature for self-care. Image: Pixabay creative commons edited.
More articles about wellness:
